Telehealth and Health Information Technology in Rural Healthcare – News
News stories from the past 60 days.
FCC: Promoting Telehealth in Rural America
Federal Register
Aug 31, 2026 - Notice of proposed rule from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeking comments on possible Rural Health Care (RHC) Program improvements related to Telecommunications (Telecom) Program support calculations, RHC Program supported services, and RHC Program processes. Specifically, the FCC is interested in comments on the scope of the similar service and rural area comparability requirements, existing cost study method of determining rural telecommunications rates, a proposal to establish an eligible services list for the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program, and more. Comments are due by September 30, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
American Nurses Enterprise Awarded $5 Million to Spearhead AI Training for Rural Nursing Communities
Aug 20, 2026 - Announces new funding for an artificial intelligence (AI) training program focused on nurses in rural, remote, and underserved communities. The program aims to train nurses to safely and effectively use AI in clinical environments.
Source: American Nurses Enterprise News
Aug 7, 2026 - Announces guidance regarding rural telecommunication rates for the Rural Health Care Program through the Federal Communications Commission.
Source: Universal Service Administrative Co.
Related funding:
Rural Health Care Telecommunications (Telecom) Program
Aug 4, 2026 - Notice of a final rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) revising the hospital inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS) for operating and capital-related costs of acute care hospitals for fiscal year 2027. This rule also makes changes to Medicare graduate medical education (GME) for teaching hospitals; payment policies and the annual payment rates for the Medicare prospective payment system (PPS) for inpatient hospital services provided by long-term care hospitals; and requirements for certain quality programs, among other things. The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) also adopts certain health information technology (health IT) standards and specifications on behalf of HHS. These regulations are effective October 1, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 4, 2026 - Summarizes recent research finding that the first 5 years of the Veterans Affairs Clinical Resource Hubs program saw increased use of telemental health services among rural veterans. The study also found a shift in care delivery from clinic-based video visits to video visits in patients' homes.
Source: VA Health Systems Research News
Jul 28, 2026 - Announces new proposed legislation that would offer federal funding to incentivize interstate mental healthcare through telehealth with the goal of increasing access to care for rural communities.
Source: Office of Senator Angus King
Jul 13, 2026 - Describes how Delaware is using Rural Health Transformation Program funds to improve information technology infrastructure for improved healthcare data exchange. The goal is to streamline workflows to reduce time spent on administrative tasks and increase time available for physicians and their patients. Notes that other states are also focusing on infrastructure and technology.
Source: Healthcare IT News